French Onion Beef and Tortellini

French Onion Beef and Tortellini is a comforting, one-pan dinner that combines savory ground beef, tender cheese-filled tortellini, and a rich, French onion-inspired sauce. With hints of Gruyère cheese, onion soup mix, and a touch of sour cream, this dish is creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something warm, satisfying, and on the table in just 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish takes all the cozy, savory flavors of French onion soup and turns them into a hearty pasta meal with minimal effort. Using ground beef and refrigerated tortellini keeps it simple and budget-friendly, while the sour cream and Gruyère cheese bring richness and depth. It’s a complete meal made in one skillet, with protein, veggies, and pasta all in one dish—easy to make and even easier to clean up.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb lean ground beef

• ½ large yellow onion, diced

• 2 tsp garlic, minced

• 1 oz onion soup mix (just the dry mix)

• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or your preferred vegetables)

• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth

• 10 oz cheese-filled tortellini (about 3 cups refrigerated)

• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

• ½ cup sour cream

• ½ tsp black pepper

Directions

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion until the meat is fully cooked and the onion is tender. Drain off any excess fat.

2. Return the skillet to the heat and stir in the minced garlic and dry onion soup mix. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add the frozen vegetables and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.

4. Stir in the tortellini and reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini is tender.

5. Reduce heat to low. Add the sour cream and shredded Gruyère cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and everything is well combined.

6. Season with black pepper and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 5 servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Extra Onion Flavor: Caramelize the onions before adding the ground beef for a deeper, sweeter flavor.

• Different Pasta: Substitute with ravioli or any small pasta if tortellini is unavailable.

• Meat Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

• Cheese Options: Swap Gruyère with Swiss, mozzarella, or sharp white cheddar if preferred.

• Add Greens: Stir in fresh spinach or kale just before serving for added nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Freezing: Not recommended, as dairy-based sauces can separate when frozen and reheated.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance and reheat just before serving. Add a splash of broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, it’s not spicy. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want some heat.

Can I use homemade onion soup mix?

Yes! Combine dried onion flakes, beef bouillon granules, onion powder, garlic powder, and parsley to create a homemade version.

What type of tortellini works best?

Refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini cooks quickly and holds up well in this dish.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Absolutely. Just chop and sauté them slightly before adding to the broth to ensure they’re tender.

What’s a good substitute for Gruyère cheese?

Swiss cheese, provolone, or white cheddar are great alternatives.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, the creamy texture and cheesy tortellini make it a hit with kids.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Swap the ground beef with meatless crumbles or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Does this work as a freezer meal?

It’s best fresh. While you can freeze it, the sour cream and cheese may change texture upon reheating.

How can I make it even creamier?

Stir in a splash of heavy cream along with the sour cream for an extra rich sauce.

Conclusion

French Onion Beef and Tortellini is the ultimate comfort food made simple. With just one skillet and 30 minutes, you’ll have a rich, flavorful dinner on the table that’s packed with beef, veggies, and cheesy pasta. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a quick weeknight win, this hearty, satisfying meal is sure to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen.

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